Embark on a group tour from Rethymno to visit the charming ancient villages of Crete. Visit the quaint village of Spili, discover the caves of Agia Galini, and enjoy the sandy beach of Matala, with plenty of time to explore on your own. Start with pickup from your hotel by air-conditioned bus, then make your first stop at the village of Spili for 1 hour of free time. Walk the cobbled streets of a village with its well-known lion-head fountains. Browse the many stores and shopfronts selling traditional Cretan products. The next stop is at the amphitheatrically built village of Agia Galini. Here, you will have 1.5 hours to explore the village. Admire the views of small, traditional houses and the harbor, the perfect place for a coffee break. Continue next to Matala where you will have 2.5 hours of free time to enjoy the golden sandy beach. After some time sunbathing on the shore, the bus will then take you back to your hotel.

Take and airconditioned bus trip through South Crete on this day trip with pickup from Heraklion. Travel back in time as you explore Cretan history at the Gortys archeological site and have plenty of free time to soak up the vibes of at the colorful, seaside town of Matala. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in selected locations on Crete in the morning. Drive for 1.5 hours to the Gortys archeological site. Purchase a ticket to the site to uncover sights from 5000 years of Cretan history. Take a short drive to Matala and spend 4.5 hours of free time where you can go swimming, sunbathe at the beach, purchase a ticket to the local caves or have lunch at a charming seaside café. Return to your accommodation in Crete at the end of your free time in Matala.

We reach the famous beach of Matala. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s - 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs. Here we will enjoy the crystal waters, the warm sun and lunch by the sea, while later we can explore the prehistoric caves, carved on the steep rocks of the area. 11:00 Arrival at Matala – free time 15:00 Departure from Matala 16:15 Arrival in Heraklion Route: 90 km Duration: app. 8 hours Extras: Entrance Caves Matala (optional): 2,00 € Pick up Malia: 08:30 Stalis: 08:35 Hersonisos: 08:45 Anissaras: 08:55 Analipsi: 09:10 Gouves: 09:20 Gournes: 09:30 Kokkini Hani: 09:30 Karteros: 09:35 Heraklion: 09:45 Ammoudara: 09:55

The delightful journey commences in the scenic village of Agia Galini. A boat sets sail into the Libyan Sea, making its way towards the two petite islands situated approximately 12 kilometers south of Agia Galini, also known as "Paximadia." The locals have endearingly nicknamed them the "little elephant" due to their resemblance to a swimming elephant when viewed from a distance and at a particular angle. Although the islands do not have any human settlements, many visitors to the southern coast are unaware that, apart from cliffs and barren land, they also boast magnificent beaches that tempt you to take a dip and go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. If you're fortunate enough, you might catch sight of dolphins or the famous turtle, Karetta-Karetta, during the voyage. Once the boat reaches a charming cove for swimming, and you've refreshed yourself in the chilly water, the crew will prepare a delicious lunch for you. Hop aboard and feel the refreshing breeze brush against your face as you sail!

After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both, the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s - 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs

Drive along the coastline to Chania, then travel up to the Omalos plateau in the White Mountains. From there, embark on a trek into the Samaria Gorge, which is 18 km long, 3-150 meters wide, and up to 700 meters deep. The Samaria National Park is a significant natural reserve that showcases a range of natural wonders, including wildflowers, century-old trees, rock formations, and crystal-clear springs. The hike begins at an altitude of 1200 m on the Omalos plateau and takes around 4-6 hours. You'll pass through the longest gorge in Europe, which features breathtaking beauty and diverse scenery. The narrowest part of the gorge is only 3 meters wide, and the rock walls soar steeply by 350 meters at this point. Please note that the path through the gorge is rugged, rocky, and uneven, making it unsuitable for unfit individuals or clients with heart problems, high blood pressure, or pregnancy. Throughout the journey, there are numerous rest stops where you can find restrooms and drinking water. In the afternoon, you'll arrive at the charming fishing village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, where you can relax in the taverns or swim in the crystal-clear, turquoise sea after the hike. Later in the day, you'll take a one-hour boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, passing the magnificent rocks of the southern coast of Crete, where our bus will be waiting to transport you back home.

Discover the enchanting town of Rethymnon, hailed as one of Greece's most beautiful destinations. Meander through the town's winding alleys and colorful streets in the old town, where you can find an array of delicious restaurants and cafes. Take a walk through Rethymnon's storied history by visiting its well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman-era landmarks. You can't miss the Venetian Fortezza, a fortress built in the 16th century to defend against the Turks. Check out the Rimondi Fountain, built in 1626 by the Venetian governor Rimondi to provide drinking water. Take your time exploring the city's charms, and unwind with a refreshing swim at the beach. Rethymnon is a city that's just waiting to be discovered!

Explore the breathtaking Imbros Gorge, located 780m above sea level and adjacent to the famous Samaria Gorge. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings adorned with cypresses and shrubs. This 8km-long gorge can be easily walked through in just 2-2.5 hours, and at one point, it becomes so narrow that you can touch the walls with outstretched arms. As you wind through the gorge, hear the dramatic story of the 1867 Turkish occupation, where women and children tragically lost their lives while fleeing from the Turks. The journey concludes with a relaxing stop at the village of Frangokastello for a refreshing dip. At the end of the activity, you will be dropped off at your hotel, or a central location to continue your adventure. Don't miss this unforgettable opportunity to experience the beauty and history of the Imbros Gorge.

We start driving through the route of the vineyards of crete. The villages we will cross are famous for the grape varieties and their wines and that is why there are many well-known wineries on our way. Our first stop is at agios thomas a village at an altitude of 760 meters, dating back to 1371 AD. In the village there are byzantine churches, ruins of the byzantine aqueduct as well as roman era tombs. Going down, we will cross the messara valley and following a route through olive groves, we will reach the monastery of odogitria one of the most famous monasteries of crete, dating back to the 14thcentury. You will be amazed by the beauty of the monastery and you will have the opportunity to visit the museum with objects of the daily life of cretans. Following a beautiful dirt road we arrive at the entrance of agiofarago and start crossing it on foot. Walking through the gorge (with zero difficulty degree) you will have the opportunity to get close to sheep and goats which are beautiful and absolutely harmless. After 20 minutes walking you will end up on a beach with fine pebble that will really enchant you. It is the paradise of southern crete After swimming in the crystal clear waters and driving through a beautiful dirt road we reach matala, the famous village of southern crete where the hippies lived in the 70s. You will have free time to admire the beauties of the village and visit the caves of the hippies. We return to the hotel through a beautiful route. This journey will amaze and fill you with pictures that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Explore the highlights of southern Crete on a guided full-day trip from Heraklion. Enjoy a small-group tour of some of the region's most popular sights.  Meet your guide at your hotel and hop on the bus that will take you to your first stop, Phaistos. Along the way, take in scenic views of the Messara winegrowing region's mountains and vineyards. At Phaistos, explore the ruins of a medieval city and the second-largest palace in Crete. Learn more about the history of the complex from your guide and enjoy panoramic views of the Ida Mountains and the Lassithi Massif. Afterward, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea in the former fishing village of Matala and take a walk to the world-famous cliffside caves. Then, tuck into a delicious lunch with views over the bay. On the way back to Heraklion, stop at the monastery of Odigitria. Here, witness 2 tholos tombs and let yourself be enchanted by the monastery's charm before heading back to your hotel.